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Vocations

The vocation to become a Dominican friar (priest or brother) comes from God.

“How do I know if God is calling me to be a priest?” If you’ve ever asked yourself the question, you may have a vocation. Priests often look back on their lives and wonder how they got where they are today. It started by exploring the question “Is God calling me to be a priest?” But you shouldn’t try to answer this question on your own.

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Priesthood is not some fantasy life or escape from the real world. Priests live in the world and do many real jobs, like celebrating Mass and preaching, teaching in universities, working in hospitals, leading retreats, etc. When exploring your vocation, it helps to know what you want to do as a priest.

For example, the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) “preach the Gospel for the salvation of souls.” This often means preaching at Mass and hearing Confessions on a regular basis. But we also preach on blogs and in the classroom, work in missions, and even hospitals and prisons! We offer men who want to be priests many opportunities, not just the life of a parish priest.

“Do I want to be a priest?” If the answer is “yes,” “maybe,” or even, “I don’t know yet,” consider all the possible ways you can serve as a priest. What ministry do you see yourself in as a priest? How do you want to serve God and His Church?

For those who want to join the Order and live our way of life, but may not be called to priesthood, we also welcome men who wish to be brothers. These are non-ordained men who pursue ministries and careers to serve the Church in a variety of ways, while enjoying the prayer, study, and community of the Order.

Spiritual Direction

Every vocation from God calls for discernment. All Christians, even priests, need some form of spiritual direction. This relationship, especially when discerning priesthood, allows a man to bring his questions to someone with experience in answering God’s call. If you have not found a spiritual director, talk to your parish priest or campus minister. They can help you explore your questions and find answers that will help you make the right decision about your vocation.

A spiritual director will help you understand how God is working in your life. A good spiritual director assists you in growing your relationship with God through a directed prayer life and setting real goals for your spiritual growth and discernment.

Prayer

You are called. And God is calling you. Whether to the priesthood, some other form of religious life, marriage, etc., God is part of your life. Prayer is essential to hearing God’s call and asking for God’s guidance. All Christians need to have some form of daily prayer. You spiritual director can also help you build a strong prayer life and hold you accountable.

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About Us

We are the Dominican Friars of Memphis, part of the worldwide Order of Preachers founded in 1216. We have continuously served Memphis since 1845. We are part of the Province of Saint Martin de Porres in the Order of Friars Preachers serving the Southern United States.

This vocations website is part of our community’s Holy Preaching – inspiring others via spoken and written word to answer God’s call to be a priest, brother or friar.